One of the region’s longest-running weekly events has changed ownership after its facilitators of more than two decades step aside due to lack of volunteers
The Bowen Lions Club advised Whitsunday Regional Council in late October that the organisation could no longer operate its weekly Bowen Community Sunday Markets from the end of 2022.
Their final bazaar as facilitators was held last Sunday, December 18. Rumours have abounded that the Bowen Lions would be ceasing operations, to which club President Peter Goodman said “was untrue”.
The market is now under the temporary management of a group who assisted Lions in the market’s running for many years and are comprised of the event’s stallholders, the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. non-for-profit, who will take charge until formal management decisions are made by local Council.
Lions had organised the markets weekly for 20 years, on average attracting 30 marketeers and 1,000 to 1,500 locals and visitors each Sunday.
Discussions with Council to find a new non-for-profit to facilitate the Hansen Park event began with the Lions Club reaching out to Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michael Brunker for assistance.
With the Bowen Community Markets longevity and continuous “positive impact for the Bowen community” according to Council, Councillors voted unanimously to advertise on behalf of the group.
Councillors and Mayor Julie Hall extended their profound gratitude to the Lions Club for their exceptional community spirit.
“I would like to thank the Lions for their many years of running the markets in Bowen,” Mayor Hall said.
Bowen Community Market Group Inc. Secretary Leola Adams said the group has applied with Council to become the permanent custodians of the markets.
“We’ve made submission to council to see if we can be given the keys – but if we don’t get it and another group does, it’s still a win-win situation,” Ms Adams said.
“We will support anyone who will run the markets. So long as it continues, we’re happy because it’s a valuable community event.”
The next market will be held on January 8, 2023, by the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. while a permanent facilitator is found.
The Bowen Lions Club will no longer run the Bowen Community Sunday Markets after 20 years of facilitating the event